Bhimtal Travel Guide
A bigger, quieter lake than Nainital, with an island aquarium and paragliding country nearby.
- Altitude
- 1,370 m
- Best season
- Year round
- From Dehradun
- ~290 km
- Category
- Lakes
Why visit Bhimtal
- The largest lake in Kumaon — 2 km long and 500 m wide, with a small island carrying an aquarium in its centre
- Gateway to the Sattal cluster (9 km) and Naukuchiatal (7 km) — three different lakes in a single day circuit
- Lower altitude (1,370 m) than Nainital means milder winters and more accessible monsoon conditions
- Bhimeshwar temple on the lake shore dates to the 17th century and anchors the lake's religious life
- The island aquarium is one of Uttarakhand's more unusual attractions — fish species from across the Himalayan watershed on display
Bhimtal is the largest of the Kumaon lakes and noticeably calmer than Nainital, with an island aquarium at its centre and older temples on its shore.
Naukuchiatal, the nine-cornered lake a short drive away, is the area's paragliding hub.
Explore around
Places near Bhimtal
Nine-cornered lake at 1,220 m; paragliding, kayaking and zorbing; quieter than Bhimtal on weekdays
Sattal9 kmSeven interconnected forest lakes; outstanding birdwatching; no motor boats; the most serene of the lake cluster
17th-century Shiva temple at the north end of the lake; morning aarti on the ghat is peaceful and untheatrical
The main lake town; a half-day detour for Mall Road, the ropeway and the zoo
Small British-era earthen dam; the reservoir behind it is pleasant for an evening walk
What to do
Activities at Bhimtal
Boating
Paddleboats, rowboats and small motorboats are available for hire on Bhimtal lake from the main ghat. The island aquarium trip takes about 30 minutes by boat. Sunrise on the lake, with mist rising off the water, is particularly photogenic.
Island aquarium visit
A small aquarium on the lake's central island displays freshwater fish species found in Himalayan rivers. The boat ride to the island is part of the experience. Entry fee is nominal; the collection is modest but worthwhile for families.
Lake circuit drive
Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal (7 km), Sattal (9 km) and Khurpatal (14 km) can all be covered in a single day by car. This "lakes circuit" is the most popular day itinerary for visitors using Bhimtal as a base.
Kayaking at Naukuchiatal
The adjacent lake at Naukuchiatal has calm water suitable for kayaking and pedal boating. Equipment hire is available at the main ghat; no experience required for the enclosed lake.
Before you go
Bhimtal travel tips
- Bhimtal is 26 km from Kathgodam and better connected by road than Nainital for those arriving by train — shared taxis run frequently
- Lake-facing accommodation costs a premium but the early morning mist view justifies it for a short stay
- The island aquarium is closed on Mondays — check before making it the centrepiece of a day
- Naukuchiatal paragliding is weather-dependent and operates March–June and September–November; book through registered operators only
- Bhimtal is significantly less crowded than Nainital on weekdays; weekends from Delhi see heavy traffic on the Haldwani road
- ATMs are available in Bhimtal bazaar; connectivity is good (Jio, Airtel) throughout the lake area
Getting there
How to reach Bhimtal
Pantnagar Airport (45 km, ~1.5 hrs). Taxi to Bhimtal. Jolly Grant, Dehradun (290 km) for those with connecting flights.
Kathgodam station (26 km) is the nearest railhead. Multiple daily trains from Delhi including the Ranikhet Express. Shared taxis and autos cover the 26 km in about 45 minutes.
Delhi → Moradabad → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal (310 km, 7–8 hrs). From Nainital (22 km), shared taxis leave from Tallital. State buses connect Bhimtal to Haldwani and Almora.
Where to stay in Bhimtal
- Lake-facing resorts (The Lake View, Sterling Bhimtal) are the most popular mid-range options
- KMVN Tourist Rest House on the lake shore is a budget option with reliable rooms
- Homestays in the lanes behind the main bazaar offer more local character at lower cost
- Booking ahead is essential on long weekends and in October
Food & dining
- Bhimtal bazaar has a mix of dhabas and small restaurants serving standard north Indian food; fish preparations are occasionally available
- Trout (farmed) is served at a couple of lakeside restaurants — confirm freshness before ordering
- The island has a small chai stall; carry snacks for the boat ride
- Self-catering is feasible as Bhimtal has a good local market with fresh vegetables and groceries
Background
History of Bhimtal
Bhimtal takes its name from Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers, who is said in local tradition to have created the lake with a single strike of his mace during the Pandavas' exile. The Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple on the north shore, built in the 17th century, formalised this mythological association into an active place of worship.
The lake sits at the crossroads of the old trade route between the Nainital hills and the Kumaon foothills, and the village around it was a market town before the British-era development of Nainital drew most of the commerce uphill. Victoria Dam, built downstream in the colonial period, was among the first small-scale irrigation works in the district.
In the mid-20th century, fisheries development authorities stocked the lake with fish species to support local livelihoods, and a small freshwater aquarium was later established on the island as an educational facility. Today Bhimtal functions as a quieter alternative to the Nainital circus, appealing to travellers who want a lake setting without the crowds.
Plan your trip
Suggested Bhimtal itinerary
- Day 1Arrive from Kathgodam. Settle in. Evening boating on the lake. Sunset from the ghat. Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
- Day 2Morning: boat to island aquarium. Bhimeshwar temple visit. Drive to Naukuchiatal (7 km) for kayaking or paragliding. Sattal (9 km further) in the afternoon for a short birdwatching walk.
- Day 3Drive to Nainital (22 km) for Mall Road and Naini Devi temple. Return to Bhimtal for night, or depart for Almora (62 km) or Kathgodam (26 km).
Common questions
Bhimtal FAQ
- Is Bhimtal better than Nainital?
- Different rather than better — Bhimtal is larger, less crowded, lower in altitude and has better road access from Kathgodam. Nainital has more facilities and greater name recognition. For a quieter stay, Bhimtal wins.
- Can I see the Himalayas from Bhimtal?
- Not directly from the lakeside. The hills immediately around the lake block the high peaks. Viewpoints are available at Naukuchiatal and from roads above the town.
- Is the island aquarium worth visiting?
- For families with children, yes — it is unusual and the boat ride makes it more of an outing than a standard exhibit. For solo or couple travellers, it is a 30-minute diversion rather than a main attraction.
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